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Horsey Dunes facts for kids

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Horsey Gap (17566865835)
Horsey Dunes

Horsey Dunes is a large area of sand dunes found on the east coast of Norfolk, England. It's also known as Horsey Gap. This special place is looked after by the National Trust, a charity that helps protect important natural and historical sites. It's also part of the Norfolk Coast AONB, which means it's a beautiful landscape that needs careful protection.

Right next to Horsey Dunes are the Winterton Dunes, another important nature spot. You can even walk from one set of dunes to the other!

Horsey Dunes: Home to Amazing Animals

Horsey Dunes is famous for its incredible wildlife, especially its large colony of grey seals.

Seals at Horsey Dunes

Every winter, many grey seals come to Horsey Dunes to have their pups. This is a very important time for them. You can often see hundreds of seals resting on the beach or swimming in the sea. It's a truly amazing sight! Remember to always keep a safe distance from the seals, especially the mothers and their pups, to avoid disturbing them.

Butterflies of the Dunes

Car Park at Horsey Gap (National Trust) - geograph.org.uk - 223020
Car park at Horsey Gap

Horsey Dunes, along with the nearby Winterton Dunes, is also a fantastic place for butterflies. It's home to some of the biggest groups of certain types of butterflies in Norfolk.

Rare and Beautiful Butterflies

Two very special butterflies you can find here are the dark green fritillary and the grayling. These butterflies love the sandy, open areas of the dunes. Other pretty butterflies that live here in good numbers include the small copper and the common blue. Seeing these colorful insects fluttering around adds to the magic of Horsey Dunes.

Protecting Horsey Dunes

It's very important to protect places like Horsey Dunes so that the seals, butterflies, and other wildlife can continue to thrive. In the past, some activities have caused harm to the delicate environment and its butterfly populations. This is why it's so important for everyone to respect nature and follow rules when visiting special places like this. By looking after the dunes, we help keep them safe for all the creatures that call them home.

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